17.5 hours to drive home.
Another 2 hours to drive and visit with Mom and Dad.
Another 3 hours to do the drive-in birthday party for my niece on her 21st birthday.
Another 1 hour to drive back to lay my head down for the evening.
And then return back home, another 17+ hours.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
During my 20’s, 30’s, and early 40’s, there were times when frustration would hit me at my core when someone would die that I truly admired, respected, and loved. After that would happen, I just kept saying to myself that I wanted to ensure that my last moments with those type of people in my life were positive, peaceful, and freeing. Releasing. Like that song, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Over the last 10-20 years, making an effort to see OTHERS has been so impactful on them; so fun seeing their surprise and feeling the strength of our ongoing relationship grow. Even during this public health COVID19 pandemic, I made the decision to visit all these friends and family. And did it with the safety precautions that were comfortable to me, and respectful to them, too.
Make the drive. Take the trip. Go see the people who matter to you. Make those memories. Live your life. Have no regrets.